Evening with your Mummy

A celebration of mothers goes all the way back to the Ancient Egyptians, who rejoiced Isis, the “Mother of all Pharaohs,” in an annual festival.

The event “An Evening with Mummy” was held in the Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art (RAFFMA) on Friday, May 9 from 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Mothers were able to experience the rituals and crafts of AncientEgypt with their children.

Families were invited to do arts and crafts, take a guided tour of the ancient Egyptian collection and go on a scavenger hunt.

The evening began with refreshments and treats that were Egyptian-inspired and enjoyable for both children and adults.

Among the twenty in attendance, student Denisha Menefee enjoyed the evening with her mother, two sons and niece.

“The arts and crafts are an aspect that brought me here and I think the overall event is really nice,” said Menefee.

A view and tour of “The Treasures of Ancient Egypt” exhibit was the next aspect that the guests were able to enjoy.

Adults went on a separate tour from the children with tour guide Jean Ford, while coordinator Paige Taylor took the excitable children with her.

The RAFFMA has one of the largest Egyptian collections that date back to 3,000-4,000 B.C.

Artifacts such as pottery, jewelry, and statues are included in the exhibit and each one displays the beautiful craftsmanship of the Egyptians.

The unique collection elaborated on the role of women and mothers in Ancient Egypt.

An old mirror and knife used to cut umbilical cords were among the artifacts that stood out.

On the tour, the low lighting gave a feeling of being in an Egyptian catacomb, which added to the experience.

Ford loved being involved with the event, and the idea of introducing children to Ancient Egypt. The main attraction of the evening was the time spent between parents and their children as they did arts and crafts.

Tables full of markers, colored pencils, paper and books dealing with Egypt were the tools children had to create their mothers cards and crafts.

Student April Baca was in charge of a watercolor station, where she painted “tattoos” on the children.

The children also had the opportunity to work with clay handed out by Diego Irigoyen, a student assistant to the museum.

“It’s very hands-on and you get to make things for your mom,” said Irigoyen.

“Those are the two best things, working hands on to make something your mom. I also like how you get to learn about ancient Egypt,” continued Irigoyen.

He enjoyed helping out and liked what the event had to offer.

The evening ended with a scavenger hunt in the exhibit that the children and parents enjoyed together.

Taylor takes pride in this event as children get involved with activities at the museum and get to spend time with their mothers.

This event takes place every year on Mother’s Day weekend, and is a great way to express love for your “Mummy” in true Egyptian style.